Book Review: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness (The Wingfeather Saga #1) by Andrew Peterson

Rating: ☆☆☆
Audience: MG Fantasy
Length: 304 pages
Author: Andrew Peterson
Publisher: Waterbrook Press
Release Date: March 18th, 2008
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Now in hardcover for the first time, featuring all-new illustrations! Once, in a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived three children and their trusty dog, Nugget.

Janner Igiby, his brother, Tink, and their disabled sister, Leeli, are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that they love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang, who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice. The Igibys hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.

Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers’ groups are sure to enjoy discussing for its many layers of meaning. Extra features include new interior illustrations from Joe Sutphin, funny footnotes, a map of the fantastical world, inventive appendices, and fanciful line art in the tradition of the original Frank L. Baum Wizard of Oz storybooks.

A GOOD READ.

My rating may not convey it, but I did enjoy this book! It’s a good book (and great for a young audience, that I do plan to keep in mind for the future), it just wasn’t allllll for me. I was missing that last click to where I felt involved in the characters lives and the story I was reading.

I liked the way the story was introduced and getting to meet all of the characters. They’re charming and full to the brim with love for each other. It’s a sweet book filled with many silly things (the titles and descriptions for animals and such had me snorting). Alongside the silly was a much deeper context. Loss plays a big role as well as stepping into shoes you didn’t know you needed to fill.

While I might have been missing that last piece, I would definitely still recommend it to those looking for a more feel-good young audience fantasy. The new covers are gorgeous and the audio narration was well done too.

Overall audience notes: